Hall of Fame

Larry Holstad

  • Class
    1967
  • Induction
    2016
  • Sport(s)


Larry Holstad served as Winona State University’s Director of Athletics from 1997 to 2012 and developed the Warriors’ athletics programs to a national power during his tenure. During his time at the helm, Winona State won two NCAA team national championships in men’s basketball. During a three year span the Warriors posted a 105-6 record, won an NCAA record 57 consecutive games, won titles in 2006 and 2008 while also playing in the national championship game in 2007. The 2006 NCAA National Championship was the first team national championship in the NSIC since it joined the NCAA Division II ranks in 1995.

The Warriors also had two NCAA individual national championships in track and field, two NCAA team national runner-ups, one each in men’s basketball and baseball, five NCAA regional championships, 35 NSIC regular season championships and 27 NSIC tournament championships during Holstad’s term.

Holstad also hired numerous coaches that have served 10 or more years with Winona State and turned their respective programs into consistent national contenders. Holstad also served as the softball coach during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, was a member of the NCAA Division II Management Council, served on the DII Football Committee and was a member of the Minnesota state Title IX task force.

Holstad oversaw many facility improvement projects, including the renovation of what is now Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium. Holstad partnered with the City of Winona to construct a softball field and with the community and Winona Senior High School for the completion of a new track and field facility. Holstad also played an integral part in the completion of the new Integrated Wellness Facility on the Winona State campus, as well as the Winona State Athletic Hall of Fame.
The support offered to Winona State student-athletes expanded significantly under Holstad. The Warrior Club Academic Success Center provides academic support to all Warrior student-athletes. These efforts helped Winona State set a program academic record during the spring semester of 2011 with WSU teams averaging a 3.24 cumulative grade point average.

Holstad graduated from Winona State in 1967 with a degree in Biology and Physical Education while also competing on the Warrior  Championship football team in 1964 and was a captain on the 1966 team.  He earned his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration in 1981. He was inducted into the WSU Hall of Fame on September 26, 2015 and the “Larry Holstad Warrior Club Endowed Fund” was established through the WSU Foundation to help support student-athletes into the future.

Larry and his wife Serena have been married for 50 years and have three daughters, all WSU graduates. His life now consists of watching his seven grandchildren participate in sports, golfing and continuing to watch the Warriors.